ABOUT

Rachel Salas

Rachel Salas is an Orange County native with a passion for people. Having grown up in a family of musicians, she found inspiration in watching her loved ones evoke happiness within others. She knew that someday, she wanted to do the same. 

Her love for a good story exhibited itself early on. As a child, she found herself writing original material and 

illustrating pictures on scrap paper, with tales based off of love and friendship. With a soft spot for romance, it is no wonder that she has found great joy in the wedding industry over the past seven years.

​

Rachel graduated from Cal State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, and an emphasis in Journalism. After time spent as a writer, her path took a surprising turn - one she would grow to love even more than writing, itself.

She began working for Iva Lee’s Catering, where she was mentored by owner, Lisa Wagoner. Rachel was taught everything one should know about event planning. From coordination, to catering, to venue operation, she was provided a solid foundation by a woman of many trades. 

The relationship with Iva Lee’s led Rachel into the arms of a well-known venue called The Villa San Juan Capistrano. ​She operated the property's bookings and public relations, and was recognized as an industry specialist in Locale Magazine's 2014 wedding edition. With over a decade of experience in hospitality, she was able to connect venue expertise to catering management and ensured flawless execution of each event.

With a natural knack for organization and communication, she quickly transitioned into the position she was always meant for - an event planner. Rachel began planning weddings and relished in the rewards of orchestrating a couple's most important day. ​Her work has been featured on sites such as

 Ceremony Magazine , Southern California Bride, Junebug Weddings, Inspired by This, Style Report Magazine, Style Me Pretty & California Wedding Day.

​

Event planning has allowed Rachel to infuse all of her favorite things - a good story, a passion for people, and organizational skills, which has resulted into an amazing job that she absolutely adores!

Partner

& Planner

Fun Facts

• Moved to New York City on a whim at age 19 (and loved it!)!

• Feels music like she has talent, but sadly, only on the karaoke stage.

• Was the Chief Restaurant Editor for a night life magazine.

• New mama to baby Benjamin!

Partner & Planner

ABOUT

Michelle Searles

Michelle Searles was born and raised in San Clemente, California. Her parents live in the house she grew up in, in which her father and grandfather built - talk about roots! With a love for sun on her skin (not without sunscreen, of course), toes in the sand, and smell of the salty ocean air, she and her family are planted in the charming Spanish Village by the Sea.

​

As a little girl, Michelle loved to entertain. Whether performing dance routines in a room full of family or at school talent shows, to styling outfits, and planning joint-birthday parties for herself and twin brother Nick, she was never shy about expressing herself. 

​

Michelle possessed a passion for organization from an early age. During weekly grocery store trips with her mother, she found herself straightening up the toy section. Little did she know, that one day, the zest and tidiness she displayed would combine into a perfect skill set for putting together the most important day of a couples' life - their wedding day.

​

In 2000, she began working for John Q. Humphreys, owner of the Ramos House Café located in the Historic Los Rios District of San Juan Capistrano. Michelle had a natural knack for hospitality - she loved running around the Café, serving gourmet foods and making people feel like they were part of her "home". 

In 2004, Humphreys began the process of purchasing a breathtaking venue called, The Villa San Juan Capistrano. While Humphreys worked on refurbishing the space, Michelle successfully ran the Ramos House Cafe in full stride.

​

Michelle's hard work had paid off. In 2009, the 11-foot wooden gates of The Villa San Juan Capistrano opened to the public and she became the property's Venue Coordinator. With seven seasons and over 600 weddings under her belt, she has fallen in love with making dreams come true and watching happily ever after’s unfold before her eyes.

​

The Villa San Juan Capistrano has provided Michelle with the career of her dreams and fulfilled her destiny of becoming a business owner.

​

Michelle's work has been featured on sites such as Green Wedding Shoes, Style Me Pretty, & Ceremony Magazine.

Fun Facts

• Studied abroad in Spain for three months at age 19.

• Married her first "real kiss" after being friends for 20 years.

• Has a twin brother.

• Was a back-up dancer in a music video.

Partner & Planner

ABOUT

Miya

Carew

Planner

Miya Carew is also a San Clemente native and lover of the “simple life”.  You can find her cooking at home, walking the beach trail and spending time with family. Finding beauty, appreciation and gratitude in every situation is Miya’s personal mantra.

​

After graduating from Chapman University with a degree in Communication Studies, Miya plugged into the corporate world as a Project Manager for Amtrak.

Being a visionary at heart, she needed to dig into her creative side and began exploring floral design. This interest segued her career into event planning.

​

Miya began planning destination weddings in Mexico where she thrived in multiple facets of the planning process.

In 2014, she moved back to San Clemente and began working for Iva Lee’s Catering as a Wedding Planner and Catering Manager. Miya has planned hundreds of events with tenacity and enthusiasm. She ensures each couple’s vision is fulfilled with immaculate execution based off her attention to detail and organizational skills.

​

Miya brings her expertise in catering, coordination, florals and destination planning to clients. Her personal approach and ability to form friendship make the planning process a fun experience for all she encounters!

Fun Facts

• Donates leftover flowers from events to her neighbors.

• Lived/worked as a destination Wedding Planner on Isla Mujeres (a tiny Island in the Caribbean).

• Always has perfectly polished nails.

ABOUT

Emily

Smithson

Planner

Emily Smithson is a quintessential California girl with an affinity for the sea. Her infectious smile is a result of the sheer love for what she does. In her free time, Emily is sailing, playing with her dog, or hosting dinner parties. Always expanding her horizons, she loves traveling to foreign places and is always looking for an adventure.

Emily attended college in Hawaii where she double-majored in History and Political Science. After graduation, she began a career in politics in Washington D.C. During her time on the East Coast, she worked for a Senator and a law firm, where she gained knowledge of the business world. After enduring a long winter, she missed the sunshine and sand between her toes.

She returned to California and settled in San Clemente. Emily became an executive assistant for Electric Sunglasses, and played an integral part of daily operations. Her favorite role at the company was hosting events for the marketing department - she was passionate about creating a fun and exciting atmosphere for guests.

Emily explored the interest further, and began assisting vendors with weddings, including Shannon O’Neil of Cargo Creative and Michelle Searles of Joy n’ Company. After two wedding seasons under her belt, Emily began floral design and planning services of her own. She brings a fun, bohemian style paired with keen attention to detail.

Nothing has given greater pleasure than infusing creative artistry with a passion for organization and putting on the best parties, ever! Emily truly loves what she does, and gets a thrill by ensuring her couples make the most of their big day!

​

Emily has been featured in Style Me Pretty.

Fun Facts

• Is a certified Meditation Teacher.

• Is is a trained Birth Doula.

• Was featured in Vogue Italia (What!)